The Work

Reflexology is based on the belief that points in the feet and hands are joined to all the major organs and parts of the body by 'energy pathways'.

A reflexologist works with clients to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, sleep disorders, sports injuries and chronic back pain.

Work would involve:

• Explaining the treatment to the client
• Taking a medical history which covers issues such as health, diet and lifestyle
• Examining the client’s feet and hands for possible ‘blockages’ and problem areas
• Applying pressure with the thumb and fingers to the client’s feet and hands
• Keeping treatment records
• Referring clients to their GP, if necessary.

Practitioners may focus just on reflexology, or combine this with other complementary therapies, such as massage therapy.

Further Information

• Reflexologist - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

There are a number of recognised courses that can help you get into this work, from Level 5 to diploma, degree and postgraduate qualifications.

Qualifications are essential if you wish to work as a therapist in the spa sector. Courses in Beauty Therapy and Complementary Therapy can help you get started. Level 4, 5 & 6 courses can be found at the Further Education Institutes (e.g Beauty Therapy) and ETB centres nationally.  Level 7 & level 8 Degree Programmes are available in related Leaisure, Tourism and Hospitality areas, See also: list of hospitality courses from getalifeintourism.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Beauty Therapy, Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Holistic Body Massage,Personal Trainer with Sports Massage, Sports Injury & Massage Therapy, Alternative Health & Wellbeing Therapies, Beauty & Complementary Therapies courses around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: There are no occupational apprenticeships in this career area at present, but new apprenticeships are being developed all the time NFQ level 5-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Health and Leisure with Massage, Recreation and Leisure Management NFQ Levels 7-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Professional Development Associations

Postgraduate Study Options Sales, Business, Management NFQ level 9

Irish Therapists 

Irish Massage Therapists Association 

National Association of Reflexologists 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €36k - €36k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role. Salary & income may vary if in sessional or full time private practice, allied to other disciplines of therapy. 

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Payscale

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was below average for therapy professionals, with levels in 2022 remaining below that of 2020. Although LFS data does not allow for a detailed breakdown of employment in this group, Census data for 2016 and 2022 shows detailed employment as follows.

Despite the lack of overall employment growth in recent years, issues with recruitment resulted in a number of therapist roles (occupational, physiotherapists and speech and language) being added to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List in June 2022. A total of 53 new permits were issued in 2022, primarily for physiotherapists with a small number for occupational and speech & language therapists.

The delivery of the Sláintecare report, particularly in terms of community care and mental health services, will require additional staffing in these occupations and, while a combined total of 100 additional training places are planned for occupational, physio, and speech/language therapists in Ireland and Northern Ireland’s education system, given the duration of training programmes, recruitment difficulties for these posts are unlikely to ease in the short-to-medium term. However, as employment levels are not increasing and the data does not allow for detailed analysis, it is not possible to determine if shortages exist for this occupation at present.

• Association of Registered Complimentary Health Therapists of Ireland (ARCHTI)

  • Ballydaniel, Camolin, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
  • 087 316 8381
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Reflexologists' Institute

  • Tara House, 1. Preston Place, 38. Trimgate Street, Navan, Co. Meath
  • 085 2153475
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Federation of Holistic Therapists

  • 18 Shakespeare Business Centre, Hathaway Close, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4SR, England
  • +44 (0)23 8062 4350
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here